Pulling down glory

Averaging 15 points, dishing out five assists and pulling down five rebounds per contest is bound to fill up the trophy case.

And that’s exactly what Western Canada Redmen standout Isidora Purkovic did on the court this basketball season, which earned her the title of the city’s top female hoops player Monday night at the Calgary Booster Club’s Winter High School Awards Dinner at Jack James High School.

In addition to representing Canada as part of the Pan American Games team in Mexico last year, Purkovic, a point guard for the Redmen, is heading to Arizona State University next fall on a full scholarship to play a combo guard spot for the Sun Devils.

“It’s a Pac-12 school, so it’s going to be a challenge,” Purkovic said. “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity that lies ahead of me, and I can’t wait to get down there, but right now I’m focused on finishing this school season strong.”

After accepting the Dr. Arlene McGinn Award, Purkovic downplayed her individual exploits and was focusing on the fact her team lost only one game on the way to winning the city championship.

“It’s just great to know that I’m recognized in the community for this,” Purkovic said. “Now, we’re feeling pretty good going into provincials next weekend.”

On the men’s side, Bishop O’Byrne Bobcats power forward Matt Matear took home the Laurie Robertson Memorial Award as the top male player.

Matear, who is sifting through offers from from the University of Alberta Golden Bears, the UBC Thunderbirds and the Saskatchewan Huskies to suit up in the Canada West next season, was happy with his campaign.

“I was very surprised when I heard my name, actually,” Matear said.

There were 104 total nominees from high schools across the city.

Here’s the three other award winners for winter sports:

Matthew Loeppky

St. Timothy Thunder

Top male wrestler

Tom Inkster Award

Loeppky has filled the banners of the Cochrane high school the past two years, sweeping the city and provincial championships, while also suiting up for the Thunder volleyball, basketball and golf squads.

For his efforts, Loeppky has three scholarship offers from Canadian universities to choose from for next fall.

Kelly Ann Meeuwisse

Sir Winston

Churchill Bulldogs

Top swimmer

Don Buchignani Award

As captain of the Bulldogs’ volleyball team, Meeuwisse excels in a number of sports.

But it’s her natural athleticism that has allowed her to pile up medals in the pool over the past three years.

With no formal swim training, the senior has piled up three goals, four silvers and two bronze medals for the Bulldogs swim team. She’s also the current provincial pole vault champ.

Mikhaila Fitzsimmons

St. Mary’s Saints

Top female wrestler

Barry Kimick Award

Fitzsimmons had to overcome the fact St. Mary’s didn’t have a wrestling team, so she travelled to a neighbouring high school each night after class to train.

It didn’t affect her performance on the mat, as the senior won several tournaments, including a provincial championship.